They were coming in for a landing on a beautiful world. They ducked over a vast, blue green sea under unpolluted skies. A cliff some distance off was the destination. They roared over it and Obi-Wan lightly set them down into a valley, steering them under an enormous cavern full of ships. They sat for an instant, watching the bustle outside.

"Obi-Wan, what will they do with him?" Anakin's voice was troubled as he glanced back toward the Imperial admiral.

"Heal him."

"Besides that?"

Obi-Wan studied him. "You feel responsible for him."

"He was one of my men. Any crimes he may have committed were under my orders." He said, tiredly.

"Did he tell you anything?"

"A bit. He was loopy from the drugs. It seemed like a good time to ask."

Medical personnel were hurrying to the ship.

"Obi-Wan...according to that reader, I'm wanted for the attempted murder of the Emperor. Not the murder, the attempted murder. And someone out there is giving orders and even Isard and Thrawn are deferring. And that was the Emperor's hand...not just any of them but the best he had."

"You killed the Emperor. Both you and Luke were certain of it."

Anakin nodded. "But someone seems convinced he's not dead. Someone is filling his role. Why else accuse me of attempted murder, not murder?"

"Any ideas on who?"

"Only one. Not the who, but Piett said the orders were coming out of Byss. That's where Palpatine did his darkest, Sith experiments. Alchemy and science, things no one anywhere else would think of without being locked in an asylum."

"That sounds very bad."

"It is." His lips pursed as they rose and the medics hurried up the ramp. "Because I guarantee you one thing. Byss is one thing none of us as Jedi should ever, ever risk going. The Dark side rules there. I've never been anywhere stronger in it, not Vjun, or even Korriban." He shivered. "I didn't like it, even as Vader. Some of the experiments he was into..." He just shook his head. "Terrifying. Totally against nature. Started by his master, Plagueis. Keeping things alive that should be dead, seeing how long he could hold them at the brink, suffering, to feed his power..."

"To stop things from dying. What he tempted you with."

"If I'd known the details, I'd not have been tempted. I wanted to protect my family from harm, not hold them alive in agony."

Anakin and Obi-Wan followed the medics down the ramp.

"They won't harm him, Anakin. In fact...is there any chance you can persuade him to cooperate?"
"I don't know. I had the advantage of surprise when I talked to him. That, and the pain and drug induced weakness."

"So you don't think he'd defect?"

Anakin considered, carefully. "I don't know. I believe he honestly believed in the Empire. Piett is a competent officer, at least. He had to be a good one or I'd never have put him in charge. I had a tendency to remove the ones who were purely political appointees at the first opportunity." A touch of shame filtered through his words.

"So perhaps, if he knew the truth of Palpatine, that he was behind the Clone Wars..."

Anakin nodded. "Perhaps. It would take a lot of convincing. Proof."

"It's worth a shot." Kenobi said as they left the cavern. Walking along the base and climbing up an outer trail, they paused at the top. An ocean breeze blew cool and comforting over them. They could've just taken the elevator's to the base and medical center. But the scenic route was comforting and they both needed it.

"Have you ever wondered what would've happened if we had stopped him? If I had, to start with..."

Obi-Wan looked at him. "I figure it's unproductive to dwell on might have been."

"Only if it's not still a possibility. It was the Jedi's word against his. We had no physical proof. He had many allies in the Senate and the courts, ones who honestly believed him."
"It would've been a challenge in any case."

Coming around a turn, they found Calrissian standing there, hands on his hips, smiling. He wore a grey uniform and a lavender grey cloak with a metallic shimmer.

"Hey. Welcome back."

"Hello." Kenobi responded politely.

Anakin just rose his brows. He'd not had much to do with Calrissian since his return. The man had been out and about on other missions. He knew Calrissian knew about his alternate identity. But he was sensing an agenda at this unexpected meeting. Unexpected for them, anyway.

"I've been meaning to talk to you two. Nice view, isn't it?"

"Spectacular." Anakin conceded.

"So...what ever happened to all of your accounts?" Lando asked casually.

Anakin stared at him. "My accounts?"

"He did pay you, right?"

Anakin snorted. "Blood money. Right out of the Jedi Temple treasury."

"So. Your change of heart means you haven't got any use for it, right?"

"Far as I'm concerned, it belongs to the Jedi." Anakin gestured at Obi-Wan. "I gave him all the access. It's out of my hands."

Calrissian's eyes were bright as he stroked his mustache. "Well, Jedi help people right?"
Obi-Wan gave Anakin a 'what is he up to?' look.

"This would be a great place for recovery. Imagine an expanded med center, therapy center, vacation for the war torn masses..."

Anakin crossed his arms, amused now. "You are looking for backers for a business venture."

"Well...honestly, can you tell me it wouldn't be a service to the galaxy?"

Obi-Wan calmly replied, "Jedi do not get involved in profit making enterprises."

"Oh, come on. Any profit could go for charity, the help of the people who need the help but otherwise couldn't afford it!"

Anakin had a bemused, half smile on his face.

"I don't like to point out, it could be considered restitution. You said yourself it was blood money. Did it all come from the Temple treasury?"

"What didn't, I gave to the Alliance."

"You sat down and calculated down to the last credit?" Calrissian's eyes were bright.

Obi-Wan was amused. He glanced at Anakin. "Why don't you get backing from the Alliance leaders? This is their base. Maybe they won't want the traffic."

"For now maybe. But we're gaining ground. Really, what better way to heal the galaxy? I'm sure the only reason it hasn't been done yet, is that it's so far off the main hyperlanes."

"Calrissian, this planet is largely unexplored and therefore unexploited. We can't even be sure there are no sentients already on the planet." Anakin pointed out.

"Well, there must not be many of them or they are awfully shy."

Obi-Wan sighed deeply. He glanced back at Anakin, who shrugged. "Why don't we consider such things when we are more sure the war is ending?"

"That sounds ominously like you expect it to ramp up."

"Let's say we've found some danger signs we are still trying to interpret." Obi-Wan motioned to Anakin and started past Lando.

Anakin paused a moment at the bend in the trail, looking back at Lando, who was staring after him. "It's not a bad idea." His blue eyes met the man whose city he'd stolen. "I don't know if I can help, but I do hope it works out."

Lando smiled at this. Then he jogged after them. "So you do agree it's a good idea? Sun, sand, beach, beautiful grasslands and forests..." He motioned expansively around. Clear sky all above, sea stretched out on one side, the grass on the other in a gently rolling prairie.

Anakin smiled. "Sure."

"Anakin, why are you encouraging this?"

"Because it's a good idea."

"For which neither you, or I have time."

"Don't be a stick in the muck." Anakin replied with a hint of mischief.

Obi-Wan cast Anakin a 'I know you're just trying to get a rise out of me' look.

Anakin shrugged at Lando. "Sorry. I don't think he's buying."

"I guess I could try and get the Alliance to back me. They aren't broke thanks to your forking over that money, contrary to what they'd have us think." He frowned. "Unfortunately, that means going through the temporary advisory senate and that means Fey'lya. I guess I should feel out Padme and Leia..."

Anakin cast him a disapproving look. "Hey! Watch your language."

Lando's eyes widened and he drew back. "Um. I meant, ask their advice."

"Better." Anakin cocked a brow at him. "I prefer no-one feels out my wife but me."
Lando's lips twitched in realization. "What about Leia?"

"She's got a mind of her own."

"And Padme doesn't?"

"Sure she does. And all I can do is sit back and fume when she disagrees with me. I've never have won an argument."

"So what's this ominous data you've got?" Calrissian asked.

Anakin glanced at Obi-Wan, a half step ahead. Shrugging, he pulled out the data reader and handed it over.

"Oh. That's bad. That's very bad. They won't be happy that you gave us the intel or money..."

"Money? I'm more worried about that..." Anakin reached over and tapped the line about attempted murder of Palpatine.

"Attempted? Are they saying Luke did the actual deed?"

"That might be preferable. I think they're implying he's alive."

"But you said you killed him! Luke did too!" Lando objected, voice rising in alarm.

"I did kill him!" Anakin hesitated. "But Admiral Piett said the orders are coming out of Byss and even Isard and Thrawn are cooperating."

"That prisoner you brought in?"

Anakin winced. "I didn't really think of it as a capture. It was more of a rescue from a bunch of lizard cats planning for a feast."

"Oh. But he talked? How did you get him to do that?" Lando's expression altered suddenly, remembering who he was talking to.

Anakin rolled his eyes heavenward. "Not the way you are thinking. I saved his life, and he was kind of out of it because of the meds. I just figured it was a good time to ask. He had too many other concerns to worry about whether talking was a good idea."

"Oh." Lando handed back the file. "What are you going to do with this?"

Anakin pressed his lips together and frowned at the data reader. "I wish I knew."

Padme hurried up as soon as they entered the base's front entrance. The base itself was built on and in the rock near the ocean, stretching back underground. It had the clean, smooth look of white natural stone in front, with a partial opening and gap that led further toward the entrance caves. Inside it looked clean and modern. Padme smiled and Anakin swept her into a hug.

"Are you two all right? I heard you ran into trouble!"

"Of course we did. It's our natural element."

"Not funny, Ani."

"No, but it is true."

"I think I'll go try and feel out...er...persuade the Princess to back my venture." Lando hurried off. Obi-Wan sighed. "If you'll hand over that data reader, I'll go see if I can share it with the Rieekan and Cracken."

"Hm. At least they won't dismiss it out of hand."

"No. They won't."

Padme grabbed Anakin's hand. "Let's go for a walk." She drew him back out the door. The view was even more awe inspiring from up here. They could see in both directions as the breeze stirred the grass, and below in the meadow, wild flowers were springing up. "It's a lot like that meadow on Naboo, isn't it."

Anakin smiled. "Yes, it is."

"So, what's Lando on about?"

"Ah. Look out. He's going to try and get backing for a big med center, therapy center and vacation resort right here."

"From the Alliance? We're hardly rich."

"He was trying to pry it out of me as restitution. I told him I gave all my accounts to the Alliance and the Jedi."

She laughed. "And now he's going after Leia."

"And you. And probably everyone he thinks will listen."

"I wish...I like that idea. I know he's thinking of profit with the resort. But a med center and therapy for refugees and victims would be nice. And it would be good if someone we could trust was behind it. We'd need that, because I'm sure once the hyperspace lane became well known, people would try and exploit it."

"Of course."

A comlink signaled. Padme sighed and answered.

"Amidala, you are requested in the war room."

"On my way." She gave Anakin a sad smile. "Duty calls, as usual."

He gave her a faint smile. "Even five minutes with you is rejuvenating."

"Flatterer."

"I think I'll go check on Ahsoka. Luke's not here, is he?"

"He's getting ready to leave. He and Ahsoka both. They aren't ready yet though. They wanted to talk to you."

"Okay."

They parted in the base proper, and Anakin headed for the officers quarters, where both Ahsoka and Luke were housed. He found them together, three miniature holo maps open and surrounded by open files. Artoo sat beside them, analyzing data.

"Well, what have I missed?" He smiled.

Luke and Ahsoka smiled back, but there was a grimness in their expressions. "You might want to sit down for this."

"Oh. Not a promising start." Anakin sat on the edge of Luke's bunk, studying the maps before him. "Planning a trip to Coruscant?"

Ahsoka and Luke looked at each other. "What you told us about the defenses on Coruscant..." Luke said reluctantly.

"Yes?" Anakin prodded, warily.

"Since they can't confirm the Lusankya, Fey'lya has pushed to accept Pestage's deal and try and take Coruscant. Especially since the fleet is no-where near there, but scattered."

Anakin closed his eyes. "It'll be a blood bath."

"They do have a good plan." Luke said slowly. "But it doesn't count on that Destroyer. Officially, we're supposed to assume it's not there."

"And you're just going to do it?" Anakin was alarmed. "Follow orders into a trap?"

Luke shook his head. "I gave up the squadron, officially. It's in Wedge's hands now. Unofficially the Rogues will look for any evidence while they're performing the mission. But they're on a deadline..." His lips pressed together and he met Anakin's eyes. "So Ahsoka and I figured, someone else can prove it."

"Namely you."

"Us. Me and Ahsoka. She knows Coruscant better than I do. It would be an unofficial side trip. Officially, we'd be looking to retrieve information from the Jedi temple."

"It's changed, Snips. It's not the world you knew. You'll find it's even worse for non humans."

"Which just means there are places a human won't be accepted because the non humans won't trust them." She replied.

"And you are well known and wanted." Anakin pointed out to Luke.

"I'll go in disguise."

Anakin cocked a brow.

"We haven't worked out all the details. You could come with us and show us." Luke's eyes met his.

Anakin sighed. "If I must."

"Well, if you don't want too..." Luke frowned.

"It's not that, it's...Luke, they're on to me."

The young man frowned. "Who?"

"Good question. We were chased by a shuttle. According to the logs, Admiral Piett was supposed to rejoin the fleet after an extensive hospital stay. He was apparently picked up by the fleet in an escape pod after ejecting from the Executor's destruction at Endor. Anyway, Mara Jade, one of the Emperor's Hands, got wind Obi-Wan and I had stopped on Landis Way for refueling. The Empire didn't have any ships in the area but she commandeered the shuttle with him in it and came after us shooting. We ended up in a firefight and we both crashed. She jumped out in an escape pod and it turned into a race. I was trying to get to their ship and retrieve parts to fix our hyperdrive. She was trying to find our ship. And to top it off, I found the Admiral about to be dinner for a pack of wild animals. The wanted poster was in the shuttle. Included both holos, before I turned and even after I became Vader, what I looked like under the mask...and don't ask how they got the second. I've no idea. The Admiral admitted the officers have come together under one leader working out of Byss."

"That's terrible!" Ahsoka gasped. "In that case, you shouldn't go!"

"On the contrary. Maybe I could find information on whose behind them if I can get to the Lusankya."

"The main problem with out plan is, even if we can prove it's there, it'll be too late to prevent the Alliance plan from going down." Luke said.

"We can only figure out how to sabotage the ship."

Anakin leaned back against the wall. His eyes slid half shut and he gave a small, shake of his head. "Sabotage which part? You'd have to sabotage the repulsorlift cradle to prevent take off, hyperdrive in case some lunatic tries to activate on the surface and all of the guns. Anything less guarantees a blood bath."

Ahsoka looked taken aback. "Do you really think they'd activate the hyperdrive on the planet?"

"Only if they figured they had nothing to lose. They might figure if they can't have Coruscant, neither can we. And...I wouldn't be so sure there aren't any ships near Coruscant. It's near enough the deep core hyperlanes that they could be hiding backup there."

The comlink signaled. "Luke, I need to talk to you, can you come to the command center?"

"On my way." Luke looked into his Father's eyes. "Are you coming?" Luke motioned to the mission files.

"Yes." He replied, reluctance in his voice.

As Luke rose to go out, he glanced back at him. "Think we can persuade this Admiral to tell us anymore?"

"Depends."

"On what?"

"If we can convince him of the truth about Palpatine. If he realizes the Empire's founded on a lie, he's a good officer. He'd be an asset."

"How did you get him to talk in the first place?" Ahsoka asked as Luke left.

He rolled his eyes.

"That didn't come out right."

"It came out fine. It's just that everyone asks that. I'm just a bit oversensitive I guess. Anyway, I just asked when he was distracted by pursuing hungry beasts and painkillers."

Ahsoka's eyes brightened. "I could use a break from these files. Are you up for some sparring? Or did the critters wear you out?"

"Well, no. They didn't." He smiled. "Let's go. More fresh air."

His blue eyes were very bright.

to be continued